Thursday, 20 February 2014

The past week for me has been a school holiday so I've had lots of spare time- guess how I've decided to spend it? Not doing something productive like revising for exams, finishing some work or getting on with chores, but experimenting in the kitchen! I am so good at procrastinating.

Some time ago I found some very quick and easy recipes of Microwave muffins that used only a couple of ingredients, and was intrigued. There was no need to use flour or any baking powder as they used oats instead, and everyone saying how lovely they tasted.

Here's what happened when I tried:

First try (Chocolate and Blueberries): The original recipe I found was 4tbsp oats, 1 egg, handful of berries, 2tsp sugar, 2tsp cocoa powder. The egg and cocoa powder in this one tasted weird, so decided one had to be removed.

Second try (Blueberries): Even if I removed the cocoa powder I realised the egg was what it was making it taste odd, so had to find something to replaced it with.

Third try (Apple and Cinnamon): At this point I didn't just run out of berries :( but it also BURNT. I used oil instead and cooked it for the normal 2-3 minutes- it just didn't work.

Fourth try (Banana and Rolos): This was LOVELY. I used 4 tbsp oats, half a banana, 2 tbsp milk and a handful of rolos, mixing well in the mug. I put in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until it was firm. The banana and oats make a nice shell on the outside and when cut into all of the nice chocolate and caramel sauce came out.......divine.

One thing I have learnt this week is NEVER add egg to a microwave muffin. On the other hand, I have found a great quick dessert to make from scratch which I am very happy about.

Sunday, 16 February 2014

One of the things I must love the most are body scrubs. There are so many different types to choose from with countless numbers of scents that leave you feeling awake, refreshed and glowing. After my post on my favourite face masks I figured I could also make one on my best body scrubs. Olive oil is what I mostly use as it is the most moisturising oils, and many people even use it as body oil.

Basic scrub: Ingredients- 3 tbsp of sugar or sea salt and 1 tsbp of olive oil and 5 drops of flavouring of choice. My favourite would be to add vanilla or an essential oil for relaxing benefits.

Vanilla sugar scrub:Ingredients- 200g sugar, 60ml olive oil, 1tbsp vanilla extract. Sugar is nicer on skin than salt, so I suggest you use this if you have sensitive skin.

Toning Cocoa scrub: Ingredients-
3 tsp cocoa powder, 2 tsp salt, 2 tsp sea salt, 2 tsp of bicarbonate and 4 tsp of
any vegetable oil. Mix well and then add some water. When you use it
leave it on for a few minutes and then wash off. This not only smells lovely but also leaves you totally moisturised, also giving your skin a nice glow for the rest of the day.

Pre-epilation Strong Scrub: Ingredients-¼
of lemon and orange, 2 tbp sea salt, 1 tbp bicarbonate, 1 tbsp honey and a bit of
vegetable oil. Get the lemon and orange juice, pulp and skin. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. The acid in the lemons and oranges also add to the exfoliating effect, perfect for removing ingrowing hairs.

Remember to use them in circular motions to prompt blood circulation and to renew the grey, dull skin at best.

Saturday, 8 February 2014

Being a massive How I Met Your Mother fan, ever since the beginning of this last season of the show I have had an obsession for finding the perfect peanut butter cookies. They were named the 'sumbitches' and had a combination of peanut butter, caramel and chocolate, managing to calm Lily down as she made her way through them.

Partly inspired by Lorraine Pascale's recipe in 'A lighter way to bake' I think I have found the one. Soft and chewy with delicious melt-in-the-mouth caramel bits, they are not to be consumed everyday. However this recipe does try to make them lighter and healthier with oats, and and a minimal amount of added sugar. These might not posses the seemingly magical properties the 'sumbitches' had, but nonetheless are a delight to munch through.

1)Preheat oven to 170 C.
2) Grab a bowl and mix the peanut butter, sugar and egg with a fork or spoon, until a mixture is formed.
3) Gradually fold in the flour, oats and rolos, adding a splash of milk to make the mixing easier.
4) With a spoon or using your hands, divide the mixture into 12 equal parts, placing these on a baking tray lined with paper parchment. Bake for 10 minutes.

Sunday, 2 February 2014

With January gone I can officially say that my sales shopping is over. I have bought a couple of things this month, and so here are my favourite picks:

This lovely knit jumper from Matalan only cost me £11.50 instead of the original price of £22. The jewelled collar was what caught my eye and made it stand out from the rest.

Next I bought this pair of earrings from New Look. This must be the fourth pair of pink flower earrings I own but I just couldn't resist. They look soo pretty. The original price was £5.99 and I paid £2.

From New Look I also bought this berry coloured ribbed beanie for £1 instead of £4.99. I was looking for something to keep me warm during these cold days we are now having in the UK and thought this was a perfect match.

One of the places I also visited was Accessorize, and as they had a 70% off sale I was eager to look for something. This beautiful gold chunky chain bracelet was different form anything I already owned and I paid it only £3.60 instead of £12 :) A bargain.